updated 03:45 pm EDT, Fri August 31, 2007

Halo 3 Headset and Gamepad

Microsoft began its Labor Day weekend by providing launch dates for the Halo 3 accessories that will ship ahead of the game itself and alongside the Special Edition Xbox 360. The Halo 3 Wireless Headset comes in the orange and tan of the Master Chief and is designed to eliminate the clutter of the wired earpiece for long gaming sessions; similar to the all-white original, it runs for up to eight hours on a charge and has dual removable clips to fit unusual ear sizes. It should be available for a limited production run on September 4th for $60.

Two special versions of the official wireless controller with Halo 3 badging will also be ready by the same time next week, Microsoft adds. Versions will be decked out with full-body artwork representing the Brute and Spartan characters from the game and will also come with a rare figurine designed by Todd MacFarlane Toys. Both should sell for $60 but will also be available in limited numbers after the September 4th launch.

One permanent accessory will also be on offer, Microsoft says. The Xbox 360 Chatpad will continue to sell for $30 and will provide any wired or wireless Xbox 360 controller with a full keyboard for typing text messages from the Xbox Live dashboard and in supporting games.